Washington Huskies vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions October 25th 2025

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Washington Huskies Game Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini head west to face the Washington Huskies on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET, with coverage on BTN.

No. 23 Illinois (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) returns from a bye week ready to rebound after a 34-16 loss to Ohio State. Washington (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) also seeks to recover following a 24-7 defeat to Michigan. Both programs enter with identical records and midseason motivation to stay relevant in the Big Ten race.

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Line Movement and Betting Odds

Illinois Moneyline: +159
Washington Moneyline: -191
Illinois Spread: +4.5 (-110)
Washington Spread: -4.5 (-110)
Total Over/Under: 55.5 (-110)

Washington opened as a 4.5-point favorite, reflecting home-field advantage and offensive efficiency despite recent injuries on the offensive line. Illinois’ bye-week rest has drawn interest from bettors looking for a rebound performance from the Illini offense.

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Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois used its bye week to regroup and recover key players after a physical loss to top-ranked Ohio State. Running backs Kaden Feagin and Ca’Lil Valentine are both expected to return, providing much-needed depth to an offense that averages 28.6 points per game.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer has thrown for 1,821 yards and 14 touchdowns while ranking top 25 nationally in passing yards. The Illini offense relies on quick reads and balanced tempo, and getting Feagin (338 yards, 5 TDs) healthy should help maintain that rhythm.

Defensively, Illinois has struggled in the secondary, ranking 95th nationally in passing yards allowed. The loss of 2024 All-Big Ten defensive back Xavier Scott has left a gap, though the front seven has held opponents under 151 rushing yards in six of seven games.

Injury Report

Lane Hansen (LS) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Luke Zardzin (LB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Ayden Knapik (OL) – Questionable (Knee)
Xavier Scott (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Ben Clawson (DB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Grant Smith (TE) – Out (Undisclosed)
JJ Hirdes (OL) – Out (Knee)
Tywan Cox (DB) – Out (Undisclosed)
John Forster (RB) – Out (Undisclosed)
Logan Farrell (TE) – Out (Undisclosed)

Full injury report for Illinois Fighting Illini

Washington Huskies

Washington’s 24-7 loss to Michigan highlighted its struggles to establish the run amid multiple offensive line injuries. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has passed for 1,837 yards and 10 touchdowns, but protection issues have limited his rushing lanes and deep passing opportunities.

The Huskies rank 32nd nationally in passing (269.6 YPG) and 16th in first downs (166). Running back Jonah Coleman leads the team with 12 rushing touchdowns, though the offense managed only 40 rushing yards last week as injuries mounted.

At home, Washington remains formidable, averaging 35.8 points per game at Husky Stadium. Wide receiver Denzel Boston (515 yards, 4 TDs) continues to stretch defenses, while the Huskies’ defense ranks top 20 in total sacks and red-zone efficiency.

Injury Report

Carver Willis (OL) – Questionable (Knee)
Dyson McCutcheon (S) – Out (Undisclosed)
CJ Christian (S) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Taariq Al-Uqdah (LB) – Out (Undisclosed)
Russell Davis II (DL) – Out (Undisclosed)
Kade Eldridge (TE) – Out (Undisclosed)
Rashid Williams (WR) – Questionable (Collarbone)
Charlie Crowell (TE) – Out (Undisclosed)
Rahim Wright II (S) – Out (Undisclosed)
John Mills (OL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)

Full injury report for Washington Huskies

Key Storylines

• Illinois returns from a bye week aiming to rebound after a 34-16 loss to Ohio State.
• Washington’s offensive line injuries have hindered its rushing attack, averaging just 50 yards in its last two losses.
• Illinois RB Kaden Feagin and Ca’Lil Valentine are both expected to return from injuries.
• Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. has accounted for 14 total touchdowns this season.
• This is the first meeting between these programs since 2014, when Washington won 44-19.

Prediction

Illinois’ defensive front should slow Washington’s ground game, but the Huskies’ passing attack and home-field energy will be difficult to overcome. Expect a physical, low-possession game that stays tight through three quarters before Washington’s offense pulls ahead late.

Projected Score: Washington 31, Illinois 24
Best Bet: Washington -4.5 (-110)
Secondary Lean: Under 55.5 (-110)

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